to teach logo
LoginSign up
Advent Traditions around the World

Advent Traditions around the World

Objective: This worksheet aims to teach students about various Advent traditions observed in different countries, encouraging them to reflect on their own family traditions during this season.


Content and methods: The worksheet presents information on Advent traditions in three different countries through short texts narrated by children from each country. It then uses true/false questions to assess comprehension of these traditions. Finally, it prompts students to consider which traditions they find most interesting and why, fostering personal engagement and critical thinking.


Competencies:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Cross-cultural understanding
  • Critical thinking and evaluation
  • Reflection and self-expression


Target group: 5th-7th grade

VJ
WM
YP
ZT

62 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

5th-7th grade

Subjects

Geographynon-subject specific content

Advent Traditions around the World

Your Advent traditions

Advent traditions around the world

Read three short texts of children who tell you how they celebrate Advent season. Then answer the corresponding questions.

Iceland

Iceland
Hi! I'm Arnar, and I'm 9 years old. In Iceland, we have a special advent tradition with the Yule Lads. Starting 13 days before Christmas, a different Yule Lad visits each night and leaves small gifts in shoes we place on the windowsill. Each of the Yule Lads has a unique personality and name, like Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) and Giljagaur (Gully Gawk). In the past, the Yule Lads were more mischievous, but now they are more like friendly gift-bringers. My favorite tradition is finding a small present in my shoe every morning because it's like having a mini Christmas every day!
A child named Arnar from Iceland talks about advent traditions with the Yule Lads leaving gifts in shoes.

Greece

Greece
Γειά σου! I'm Eleni, and I'm 8 years old. In Greece, we celebrate advent with a tradition of decorating small boats instead of Christmas trees. This is because Greece has a strong connection to the sea. We also sing carols called 'Kalanta' from house to house, and people give us treats or money. Over time, some people have started putting up Christmas trees as well, but the boat tradition is still special to many families. My favorite tradition is decorating the boat with my family because it reminds us of our heritage and looks beautiful with all the lights!
A child named Eleni from Greece talks about advent traditions like decorating boats and singing carols.

Argentina

Argentina
¡Hola! I'm Mateo, and I'm 10 years old. In Argentina, we celebrate advent by setting up a Christmas tree and an advent wreath with four candles. Every Sunday, we light a new candle on the wreath. We also have 'Novenas,' which are special prayers and songs that we do for nine days before Christmas. These traditions have stayed the same, but now we have more colorful and bright decorations. My favorite tradition is lighting the advent candles because it brings my family together every week and fills the house with a warm, festive glow!
A child named Mateo from Argentina talks about advent traditions like the Christmas tree, advent wreath, and Novenas.

For each statement, choose if it's true or false.